Arranging care services at home has become increasingly common as more individuals than ever seek to maintain their independence and quality of life in familiar surroundings. Whether you or a loved one requires assistance with daily tasks, personal care, or specialised, nurse-led support, navigating the process of arranging home care can feel daunting.
This guide provides insights and practical advice to help you navigate the complexities of arranging care services at home. From understanding your care needs to exploring funding options and selecting the right care provider, this guide will walk you through each step of the process, empowering you to make informed decisions that best suit your unique circumstances.
UNDERSTANDING THE TYPE OF CARE NEEDED
Understanding the type of care needed is crucial when considering home care options. Start by assessing your current abilities and limitations, identifying specific areas where extra support could be helpful or required. Think about tasks you could use help with, including:
- Personal care
- Household chores
- Mobility support
- Medication management
- Companionship
Once you have a clear understanding of your needs, define the level of care required. Determine whether you need occasional assistance with specific tasks, regular visits for ongoing support, or continuous 24-hour live-in care, depending on your health condition and daily living requirements.
Exploring different care options is the next step in finding the right solution for your needs. Research private carers, domiciliary care agencies and fully managed care providers like Prestige Nursing & Care to understand the benefits and services offered by each.
Consider your personal preferences regarding the type of carer you feel most comfortable with. Some may prefer one-on-one support from a private carer, while others may value the resources and oversight provided by a fully managed care provider.
Budget considerations are also important. Determine your budget for home care services and explore financial assistance or funding options available to offset the cost of care.
HIRING A PRIVATE CARER
When considering a private individual to provide care or support, commonly known as a self-employed carer, there are several considerations to keep in mind:
- Pros and Cons: Hiring a private carer offers advantages such as increased flexibility, personalised care arrangements, and potential cost savings by avoiding agency fees. However, there are drawbacks, including assuming employer responsibilities, potential difficulties in finding replacement care, and the absence of agency support and staff training.
- Employer Responsibilities: As the employer of a private carer, you are responsible for legal obligations such as tax and national insurance contributions, as well as managing disciplinary issues and dismissal procedures if necessary.
- Agency vs. Private Carer: While hiring a private carer may provide flexibility, it lacks the benefits of agency support, including finding replacement care and staff training and oversight.
- Legal Considerations: It is essential to establish the employment status of the individual you hire for care at home. That includes performing your own Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and ensuring suitable insurance coverage. You will be hiring the carer as your employee, with all the legal responsibilities and requirements that entails.
By carefully weighing the pros and cons and understanding the legal aspects of employing a private carer, you can make informed decisions to ensure the best care arrangements for your needs.
INTRODUCTORY VS FULLY REGULATED SERVICE PROVIDERS
Throughout your research, you may come across both introductory agencies and fully managed care providers. There are distinct differences between the two, each offering unique benefits and considerations.
INTRODUCTORY CARE PROVIDERS:
Introductory agencies act as intermediaries, connecting clients with self-employed carers. Clients have the flexibility to select their own carer based on personal preferences. However, clients assume responsibility for managing employment-related tasks, such as payroll and insurance, and oversight of the carer may be limited.
FULLY MANAGED CARE PROVIDERS:
Fully managed care providers like Prestige Nursing & Care directly employ carers and oversee all aspects of the care service. They offer comprehensive care packages, including care planning, carer training, and ongoing assessment. These agencies are regulated by the Care Quality Commission and the Care Inspectorate in Scotland to ensure compliance with standards and regulations, providing clients with professional oversight and support.
CHOOSING A PRIVATE CARE AGENCY
Is the agency regulated?
It is important that you choose only a private care agency that is registered and regulated by the Government. There are four care regulators in the UK and they all make inspection reports available online.
- Care Quality Commission (‘CQC’) in England
- Care Inspectorate in Scotland
- Care and Social Services Inspectorate in Wales
- Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority in Northern Ireland.
Who owns the agency?
Check who owns the private care agency. Some will be single branches of much larger companies, some will be independently owned and some will be franchised – this means they are managed locally but are controlled by the business model of another company, which could be overseas.
Prestige is a family-owned and managed business, with its Head office based in Epsom, Surrey.
Does your GP, community health team, or local social services team know the agency?
Local social services teams will maintain a list of approved agencies with whom they work. Prestige is an approved social services agency.
Can anyone recommend the agency?
Check review sites such as www.homecare.co.uk and NHS Choices. These platforms often feature feedback from clients and their families, offering firsthand perspectives on the quality of care provided. You can also speak with local residential care and nursing homes for recommendations.
What else should I check?
Before making a decision, it is very important that you meet with the agency and understand how they work and if they can provide the type of individual care and support for you or your loved one.
You should also check the quality of their staff. What type of carer and registered nurse do they recruit? How many employment checks are made? Are all carers and nurses DBS checked? Will they provide references from current clients? If you employ your own care worker, you should be aware of your potential obligations as an employer.
At Prestige, every member of our team undergoes a stringent set of checks and additional training before they can support and care for our clients.
CONSIDER FUNDING OPTIONS
When arranging care services at home, explore funding options to ensure that you can access the support you need. Here are some avenues to consider:
- Social Care Funding: If you undergo a care needs assessment and are deemed eligible for support, your local council may provide funding for all or part of your care package. This social care funding is means-tested, taking into account your income and savings.
- Self-funded Care: If you prefer to fund your care privately, you have the option to pay for services out of pocket. Private funding allows for greater flexibility in choosing the type and level of care you receive, as well as the care provider.
- NHS Continuing Healthcare: Individuals with complex medical needs may be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which covers the full cost of care, including home care services. Eligibility for this funding is determined through an assessment by the NHS.
- Personal Budgets and Direct Payments: Personal budgets are allocated by the local council to individuals assessed as needing care. With a personal budget, you have more control over how your care needs are met, including the option to receive direct payments to arrange and pay for your care services independently.
- Government Initiatives: Explore Government initiatives such as Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer’s Allowance, and Council Tax Reductions to help offset the costs of care.
You can learn more in our guide on paying for home care services.
ARRANGE CARE AT HOME
Arranging care at home is simple with Prestige Nursing & Care – just follow these steps:
1. Speak our friendly team
Call us on 0808 239 1525 and one of our expert care advisors will provide you with all the information and guidance you need.
2. Schedule a home assessment
One of our trusted care advisors will meet with you and your family to discuss your care needs and how we can provide bespoke home care.
3. Begin care
You will be expertly matched with one of our professional carers so care can begin.
We are here to help you and your family every step of the way. Call us on 0808 239 1525 and our friendly care experts will discuss your care and support needs.
You can also fill out or online enquiry form or email info@prestige-nursing.co.uk. We provide impartial guidance and advice so you make the right choice for you and your family.
